The Fire-Eaters facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | David Almond |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's |
| Publisher | Hodder Children's Books |
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Publication date
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14 August 2003 |
| Pages | 224 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-375-85751-5 |
| OCLC | 52324974 |
The Fire-Eaters is an exciting children's novel written by David Almond. It was published in 2003. This story takes you back to 1962, a time when the world felt a bit scary because of something called the Cuban Missile Crisis. It's about a boy named Bobby Burns who learns about courage and hope during uncertain times.
A Story Set in 1962
The book "The Fire-Eaters" takes place in 1962. This was a time when many people around the world were worried about a possible war. This fear was especially strong during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This was a serious disagreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. It made people wonder if a nuclear war might happen.
Bobby Burns lives in a quiet mining village called Keely Bay in Northumberland, England. He had a wonderful summer, but things start to change in autumn. His dad becomes sick, and Bobby really dislikes his new school. There's a lot of bullying there, which makes school tough. But the biggest worry for Bobby is the thought of a nuclear war.
Luckily, Bobby has friends who help him see things differently. His friend Ailsa Spink seems to do amazing things. Then there's McNulty, a fire-eater who performs incredible acts. They both help Bobby believe that even in hard times, miracles are possible.
Who Are the Main Characters?
This story features several important characters:
- Robert 'Bobby' Burns: The main character, a boy facing big changes and worries.
- Mum: Bobby's mother.
- Dad: Bobby's father, who becomes ill.
- Joseph Connor: A character in the story.
- Ailsa Spink: Bobby's friend who seems to have special abilities.
- McNulty: A mysterious fire-eater who inspires Bobby.
- Daniel Gower: A school friend of Bobby's.
- Mr Todd: A character in the book.
- Miss Bute: A character in the book.
Awards and Recognition
"The Fire-Eaters" was a very popular book and won several important awards. It received the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Gold Award. This award celebrates excellent children's books. It also won the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award.
The book was also considered for other big awards. It was shortlisted for the Guardian Award. It was also a finalist for the Carnegie Medal. These nominations show how well-loved and respected the book is in children's literature.
